Weekend event brings a record turnout at De Anza Park

Some 30,000 people know what makes Calabasas great.

Pumpkins.

The record crowd came to Juan Bautista De Anza Park on Oct. 18 and 19 for the city's popular Pumpkin Festival, an event that was cut short last year at this time due to the Malibu fires.

With perfect conditions this year the families came out in droves and enjoyed a bevy of activities including games, rides, contests, arts and crafts and, of course, a pumpkin patch.The event was sponsored by the city, the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce and the Calabasas Arts Council. For more pumpkin news, please see page 28.

PUMPKIN MANIA—Above, a gnarly gourd is made into a witch's face at the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival last weekend. Left, 2-year-old Woodland Hills resident Sofia Campbell searches for the perfect fruit (yes, pumpkins are a fruit) to take home from the festival's pumpkin patch. Below left, Calabasas resident Chip Humphries takes first place in the pie eating contest. Visitors were greeted with sunny skies and cool temps. Photos by WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers BACK IN THE OLD WEST— Above, Agoura Hills resident Sarah Zimmerman, 13, takes a ride aboard the mechanical bull. The festival also had a car show and a live band.